If the Orioles want to build around him it’s time to sign him. If they don’t, then it’s time to shop him around.
Here’s what Kubatko posted:

I’ll say it again: The Orioles need to figure out whether they can sign Jones to a long-term deal. He’s a free agent in 2014. His value could be at its highest, when he’s not viewed as a rental for a contender.

The Orioles haven’t approached Jones about an extension. Executive vice president Dan Duquette is focused on the center fielder’s 2012 contract. An extension is a back burner issue.

Will the Orioles get burned by waiting?

He points out that Jones said at FanFest that he would be open to a a long-term deal to stay in Baltimore. But the forum in which Jones answered the question could have had a lot to do with his response.

Zach Wilt is the Founding Editor of BaltimoreSportsReport.com and host of the BSR Podcast. He's a loyal Orioles, Ravens and Capitals fan who is obsessed with baseball, loves traveling, In-N-Out Burger and Walt Disney World.

Our mission is to provide the best local sports commentary in the Baltimore area. We love the Baltimore area and all its teams, but we like adding a fair counterweight to the dialogue just as much. In other words, we take jabs because we care.